Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31,689, Thomas Gilbert, Conn.

SERVICE
SERVICE Conn.
Gilbert, Thomas
NUMBER _____
S. 31.689
CONTENTS

Connecticut 22.571
Thomas Gilbert.
of New Haven in the State of Conn.
a Private in the Co. — commanded
Yates, of the Regt. — commanded
60 — in the Conn. —
time for 10 mos. —
Herman
May 10. 1851.
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn. at the rate of 33. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Sept. 1833 and sent to C. A. Ingersoll, New Haven.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833. 83.33 Sem.-ant. allowance ending Sept. 1833. 16.67
$100.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. Labaree Book C Vol. 38 Page 16.

State of Connecticut, New Haven County } ss.
On this 10 th day of Nov r . 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven in said County, at least in said District.
now sitting, Thomas Gilbert a resident of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged 76 years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say,
In the month of December 1776, as I believe, I was drafted from the Militia Company in Stratford in Fairfield County for a tour of 2 months under Capt John Gates of Stratford, which I performed at Horseneck in that month & the succeeding January. Again Tomlinson of said Huntington was with me having been drafted at the same time, as I suppose, but as he thinks, we were enlisted Troops. I may be mistaken in supposing we were drafted. I am certain I performed the service. In March 1777 I was drafted for a tour of duty of three months which I performed at Fairfield in County under Captain Edmund Leavensworth & Lieutenant Patterson. Nathan Lewis was drafted with me at the same time.
About the first of September following I enlisted into a Comp. of Mechanics under the command of Capt Daniel Pumbier of Stratford. Marched to West Point where I was employed with the Company in building Platforms for Cannon & hearing out Pickets. Our Company was regularly mustered & the roll called every called every day as were the other Troops. I do not know any one living who served with me & I do not know whether the Company was State or Continental Troops. I served 3 months for a dismission.
In June & July 1780 I served 2 months at Horseneck having been drafted for that purpose under Captain Jabez Bolstord of Newtown. Joseph Beardslee now living was drafted & in service with me at the same. In 1779 July I went to New Haven when invaded by the British, & was gone 3 days.
My services above stated amount to ten months. I never had a written discharge.
I was born Decem r 10. 1756 in Stratford now Huntington where I have always lived. I do not know that any Record

my birth was made. I am acquainted with Rev. Thomas Pendleton & David B. Newton Esq. of Huntington Iabez Tomlinson Esq. & Hon David Plant late Member of Congress of Stratford who will testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my Revolutionary Services
The said Thomas Gilbert hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Anthony Sanford Clerk Thomas Gilbert
We, Thomas Pendleton a clergyman, residing in the town of Huntington and David B. Newton residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Gilbert who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Anthony Sanford Clerk Thomas Pendleton David B. Newton
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Thomas Pendleton who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Huntington and that David B. Newton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Huntington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
And the Court as further certifies, that the abovenamed applicant is so an infirm, and that it is difficult for him to travel & that it is much more convenient for the applicant to answer at the district court, to make his declaration before the court sitting at Bridgeport, which is adjacent to Huntington, than it would be before any court sitting in the county of Fairfield. For the truth of which reference is made to the Hon. G. Tomlinson Esq.
I, Anthony N. Sanford Clerk of the Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thos Gilbert for a Pension. Col. A. Burroughs Esq., Clerk
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 10th day of Nov - 1832
Anthony Sanford Clerk

State of Connecticut
Hartford County ss Breyford
On this 2 d day of May. A. D. 1851
Personally appeared Lucius Gilbert of the Town of Huntington in said County & State aged 60 Years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration as one of the children of Thomas Gilbert late dec. To obtain an increase of Pension on account of the service of said Thomas Gilbert under the act of June 7 th 1832 for the services of Thomas That soon after said act was passed the said Thomas made a claim for his services in the war of the Revolution as I fully believe as a private soldier. and was allowed a pension as a private under said act at the rate of Thirty Three Dollars & 33 cents per. annum and that he drew said Pension up to Sept 4 th 1846 - and after his death the said Lucius Gilbert as Administrator drew the balance from Sept 4 th 1846 to the 26 th of January 1847. being the time of his death. which Pension was always drawn at Hartford Connecticut. and the said Lucius Gilbert doth declare and say that his father the said Thomas Gilbert often conversed with him

when I Lewis was a boy and many times since that he told him many times that he served his apprenticeship with one Richard Dabell to learn the carpenters trade which was to make wheels and bodkins for carts, framing Barns, Sheds &c. and a great many times in speaking of his service in the War of the Revolution I have heard him say that he worked at his trade while in service in the War that he assisted in building Blocks Houses, platforms, gun carriages, Barricades and so forth. That he so labored in the service at one time at a place called Horse Neck in Connecticut on Long Island Sound Also at the Hudson River and that while in the service he was surprised by a company of Hessians and narrowly escaped being taken a prisoner and that he had to flee leaving his carpenter tools behind and always while relating the incidents of his service in said War it was a part of his history that he served as a carpenter or workman - and furthermore about two years before his death when I was giving his Pension money to him he then observed to me that a friend had told him that by the Pension law he was entitled to a larger pension than what had

been allowed him because he served as a Carpenter. When I inquired of him whether he said any thing about having served as a Carpenter at the time he made his declaration for a pension when he replied that he did not think of it and no question was ask d him at the time as to his serving as a Carpenter or Mechanic and did not know there was any difference in the pay of a Private or Mechanic - refers to the Declaration of said Thomas under Act of June 7 th 1832
That the only surviving children of said Thomas Gilbert are Phoebe Olmstead, Amorillis Gilbert, Lucius Gilbert. all of said Huntington - Freeman Gilbert of Derby New Haven County Connecticut. Deborah Hosford of Moira Franklin County New York. all of lawful age - That said Thomas Gilbert died at said Derby January 26 th 1847. That he left no widow & that he was a pensioner of the United States as before stated that he claims in behalf of the said children of said Thomas Gilbert an increase of his Pension from March 4 th 1831 to the 26 th day of January A D 1847. That being the time of his death the difference between the pay of a Private and

and an artificer on Michamocks and that he refers for proof to Support of Claim to the declaration of said Thomas Gilbert, as aforesaid to this his declaration & to the several depositions hereto attached - That I have not the least doubt that said Thomas served his duty for the time he claimed as a private, in the said War of the Revolution. Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year before mentioned before said court,
Lucius Gilbert
Attest. E. B. Goodsell Clerk "
I E. B. Goodsell Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the doings of said Court in the matter of the original application of Lucius Gilbert Esquire for & on behalf of himself & other heirs of Thomas Gilbert, for an increase & arrearages of said Thomas Gilberts Pension. -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 2 d day of May A d 1851.
Attest E. B. Goodsell Clerk "

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
ss.
I, William A. Noble Clerk.
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify:—THAT, Samuel Beardslee and William A. Judson Esquire ever since have been  were on the 4 th day of July 1850 and now are Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to each of them  his official acts and attestations; that the signatures to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be their  his , I believe to be their  his genuine official signature; and that said instruments are  is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Bridgeport in said County and State, on this 3 rd day of May A. D. 1851
Wm A Noble Clerk. per Chas. F. Sterling Ass't Clerk

We the subscribers hereby certify that we have been intimately acquainted with the with Lucius Gilbert Esqr for the term of thirty years or more that we regard him as a man of truth and veracity and that we consider his testimony good and reliable under all circumstances Dated at Huntington February 12 th 1851
Samuel Beardslee Town Clerk of the town of Huntington Christopher N. Shelton Post Master
Hampden County ss Huntington April 25 th 1851 Personally appeared Samuel Beardslee & Christopher N. Shelton Esquires and made oath to the truth of the above certificate before me who I certify are both credible witnesses well known to me William A. Hudson Justice of the Peace

I Elijah Patchen of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being now sixty five years of age Do depose and say that I was acquainted with Mr Thomas Gilbert of said Huntington for more than twenty years previous to his Death and that I have often heard him speak of his services in the war of the Revolution that he served as a Mechanic and that his business was to make Block houses Gun carriages &c and that I had the most implicit confidence as to the truth of his statements for I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and I further depose and say that with the in the same  in the same  the said Thomas Gilbert that I lived with my family in the same House with the said Thomas Gilbert for a number of years
Elijah his + Patchen mark
Stat of Connecticut Huntington February 8 th A D 1851 Fairfield County of personally appeared Elijah Patchen who subscribed the above Deposition by his mark who I certify is known to me and who is a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me
Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace

I Philo Wakelee Jun r of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being now sixty years of age Do depose and say that I have been acquainted with Mr Thomas Gilbert for forty years previous to his Death that he the said Gilbert worked for my Father as Carpenter a number of times I have often heard him converse about the War of the Revolution I understand him to say that he Enlisted as a Carpenter that his business was to build Block houses Gun Carriages &c. and I Further Depose and say that Mr Gilbert lived within about two miles of my Father and that I heard him make the above statements along time previous to having a pension or any Expectation pecuniary from Government in any shape whatever And I Further Depose and say that the said Thomas Gilbert was a man of truth and veracity and was a credible witness Philo Wakelee
State of Connecticut } Huntington February 7 th A D 1851 Fairfield County { personally appeared Philo Wakelee Jun r who made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed who I certify is known to me and who is a credible witness Before me Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace

I Moses Wheeler of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being of lawful age do Depose and say that some time in the year 1850 in looking over my Father's papers I found an Indenture drawn up I should think in legal form with seals to it binding Thomas Gilbert as an apprentice to Richard Hubble to learn the Carpenter's trade which said Indentures were dated about the year 1771 or 1772. The parties all then residing in that part of the town of Stratford called Ripton now the town of Huntington.
And I further Depose a say that a few years previous the death of Thomas Gilbert in conversation with him on the subject of pensions he observed that he should have obtained a larger pension if he had let it been known that he served as a Mechanic
(Moses Wheeler)
State of Connecticut } of Huntington February 5 th A D 1851 Fairfield County } personally appeared Moses Wheeler and made solemn oath to the truth to the above Deposition by him subscribed Before Me
Samuel Beardsley Justice of Peace
The said Moses Wheeler who signed the above Deposition is known to me who I certify is a credible witness
Samuel Beardsley Justice of Peace

I Nathaniel Beach of the Town of Trumbull in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being now Seventy Eight years of age Do Depose and say that I was well acquainted with Thomas Gilbert of the Town of Huntington in said County that I have worked with said Thomas Gilbert at the Carpenter business a number of times I have heard him speak of apprenticeship to Richard Hubbell and that he was an indentured apprentice being bound out by his Father And further I Depose and say that I have heard him speak of his services in the War of the Revolution and that he served as a Mechanic his business was to build Blockhouses and Platforms for Gun Carriages
Nathaniel Beach
State of Connecticut { Huntington February 5 th A.D. 1851 Fairfield County } Personally appeared Nathaniel Beach who made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed Before me Lemuel Beardslee Justice of Peace
The above named Nathaniel Beach who signed the above Deposition is known to me and who I certify is a Credible witness
Lemuel Beardslee Justice of Peace

I David Hubbell of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being now Eighty eight years old do Depose and say that in or about the the year 1772 I will remember that Thomas Gilbert was then an apprentice to my Uncle Richard Hubbell at the Carpenters trade and to the best of my recollection he served the said capacity till he was twenty one years of age
David Hubbell
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County { Huntington February 5 th A.D. 1857 personally appeared Thomas Gilbert David Hubbell and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him subscribed Before me
Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace
The above named David Hubbell who signed the above Deposition is known to me who I certify is a credible witness
Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace
The name of Thomas Gilbert was put in my Certificate of Oath by mistake which I have this 30 th day of February 1857 erased and substituted the name of David Hubbell which is correct
Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace

I Annabell's Gilbert of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut being now sixty four years of age do Depose and say that I am a Daughter of Thomas Gilbert late of said Huntington Deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner, and that I kept House for my Father for the period of about twenty five years previous to his Death and that I have often heard him converse about his services in war of the Revolution that he worked at Black Houses Gun Carriages & Barracks and that his services were performed at West point and other places
And I further Depose and say that some years previous to his Death Thaddeus Beardlee Esq was executing his papers to claim his pension, he and the said Beardlee were conversing on the subject of his getting an increase to his pension for his services as a Mechanics and that said Beardlee told him if he would meet him at Bridgeport he would assist him in the same but he declined on account of old age and infirmity and not having full Confidence in the result of effort
And I further Depose and say that the said Thaddeus Beardlee Esq asked him why in making his declaration for a pension he did not claim his services as a mechanic that his reply was that he did not know that it was necessary and did not know there was any difference
Annabell's Gilbert

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss } Huntington April 29 th AD 1851 personally appeared Amarillis Gilbert who is known who is known to me and who I certify is a credible witness and made Oath to the truth of the within Deposition by her Subscribed Before me
Samuel Beardslee Justice of the Peace

21.702. 22.511
Th. Gilbert. Connecticut.
Adm 10. — 33. 33.
h
Charles A. Ingersoll
Anthony S. Stanford blk. New Haven, Connecticut.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Mr. Gilbert, of Connecticut.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Drafted in '76. ✓ 2. — P. Capt. Yates. Stratford, Connecticut. Living witnesses and traditions.   Drafted in '77. ✓ 3. — Do. Capt. Leavensworth, Lt. Patterson. Aged 76 years.   Enlisted in '77. ✓ 3. — P. Capt. Pennock.   Drafted in '80. — 2. — Do. Capt. Botsford.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declarations.
To substantiate the claim for service as a mechanic the declarant must show that he was in a corps of _____ description in the "Continental" service W. R. Turner.

21,702. 22.511
Th. Gilbert. Connecticut.
Adm. 10. — 33. 33.
h
Charles A. Ingersoll
Anthony S. Stanford Esq. New Haven; Connecticut.

December 14, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. J. Howard Hayes 27 Ashland Street Arlington, Massachusetts
THOMAS GILBERT S. 31699 am BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Gilbert, of Derby, Connecticut.
You are furnished below the history of Thomas Gilbert, as found in pension claim, S. 31699, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Gilbert was born December 10, 1756, in the part of Stratford (later Huntington) in Fairfield County, Connecticut; the names of his parents are not shown in the claim. About 1772 he was residing in Ripton Parish which was a part of said Stratford, Connecticut, where he was serving an apprenticeship learning the carpenter's trade.
While residing in Stratford, Connecticut, he enlisted in December, 1776, served two months as private in Captain John Yates' Connecticut company. He enlisted in March, 1777, served three months as private in Captain Edmund Leavenworth's company, Colonel Whiting's Connecticut regiment. He enlisted in the early part of September, 1777, served as private in Captain Daniel Pendleton's Company of Artificers and was engaged in building blockhouses, platforms and gun carriages and hewing out pickets, length of this tour three months. He was out three days in July, 1779, when New Haven was invaded by the British, names of officers not given. He enlisted in June, 1780, and served two months as private in Captain Jabez Botsford's Connecticut company.
Thomas Gilbert was allowed pension on his application executed November 10, 1833, while a resident of Huntington, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
He died January 26, 1847, in Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut, leaving no widow.

The date and place of Thomas Gilbert's marriage, the name of his wife and date of her death are not shown in the claim.
In 1851, the following children were living:- Phebe Olmstead; Amarilous Gilbert, a daughter then aged sixty-four years who kept house for her father, Thomas Gilbert, about twenty-five years prior to his death; Lucius Gilbert, then aged sixty years, all three of whom were then residing in Huntington, Connecticut; Truman Gilbert of Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut, and Hepzibah Hosford, of Moira, Franklin County, New York.
In 1851, one Elijah Patchen, aged sixty-five years, of Huntington, Connecticut, stated that he lived with his family in the same house with Thomas Gilbert for a number of years (no relationship stated).
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

31689 Rev INVALID.
File No. 31,689
Thomas Gilbert
Rev Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 15 th
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Feb. 3 rd 94 M rs . H. H. to Edward G. Worcester, 309 Boston St., New Haven. Conn. — C
Apr. 7-1901
Chas R. Gilbert New Haven Conn
1915, Apr. 26. History to Frank G. Bryan. For Letter with Cl. S. 17506, Wilson Hurd.
1933, Dec. 14. H st to J. Howard Hayes — THL B

State of Connecticut County of New Haven
Know all men by these Presents that I Lucius Gilbert of the town of Newington County of Hartford, State of Connecticut Son and executor of Thomas Gilbert late of said Newington deceased, who was an Artificer in the War of the Revolution, under a provision of the United States under Act of June 1832 at the rate of thirty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum and since March 3rd 1847 do hereby constitute my appointed Q. Q. Addison Esq of Washington City my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name respectfully to institute the Common- pleas of Pension to redetermine my said further pension paper as fit with such additional declaration as may be pre- scribed, and allow such an increase of pension, as he may have been justly and equitably entitled to. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and Affixed my hand this 30 th day of January 1832 Lucius Gilbert Subscribed by G. N. Beardsley B. H. Beardsley

State of Connecticut
Franklin County
Be it known that before me J. H. Beardsley a Justice of the Peace in and for Franklin County, State of Connecticut, personally appeared Francis Gilbert within his time of Attorney to be this Act and thereunto the 26th day of February 1852
Before me J. H. Beardsley Justice of the Peace
Thos. Gilbert
Feb 27 52
for the
State of Connecticut
all of

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield Bridgeport May 3 1857
James E. Heath Esq. Com te of Pensions
Sir I. send you the application of Lucius Gilbert Esq in behalf of himself & the other heirs of Thomas Gilbert de- ceased under the act of June 2 1851 for an increase & back pay of his Pension Please send their certificate to me
Yours Respectfully Gaius Sherman

Mrs. Gilbert 21702

I Joseph Beardslee of Huntington in the County of Fairfield do hereby testify and say - That in the year 1780, I served as a Militiaman at Housatonic, in the State of Connecticut for two months, to wit, the months of June and July in said year. I recollect that Thomas Gilbert, who has this day made a declaration in order to obtain a pension, served with me as a drafted Militiaman at the same time, at the same place, in the same company, and for the same length of time - I have always known the said Thomas Gilbert from my earliest boyhood. And further this deponent saith not. July 10 1832
Joseph Beardslee
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Joseph Beardslee, who is a credible person, in whose credit
Anthony D. Parsons Clerk

I Agnes Tomlinson of Huntington in the County of Fairfield do hereby testify and say - That in the winter of 1876 and 77, I served for two months, commencing in the month of December 1876 against the common enemy in a company commanded by Captain John Yates. I well recollect, that Thomas Gilbert, who has this day made a declaration in order to obtain a pension was a member of said company with me, & served in the same for the same length of time that I did, which was for two months. July 10. 1882. Agnes Tomlinson
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Agnes Tomlinson, who is a credible person, in open Court.
Anthony D. Sanford Clerk

State of Connecticut.
County of New Haven. ss.
On this 27 th day of June A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open court, before the court of Probate for the District of New Haven in said County, now sitting, Thomas Gilbert, a resident of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged seventy six years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following supplemental declaration, in addition to the one made by him, on the 10 th day of November A.D. 1832, in order to obtain the benefit, of the act of Conscription passed June 7 th 1832 - The deponent saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot speak as positively as he once could, as to the precise length of all his services during the Revolutionary war, but according to the best of his recollection, he served as follows, to wit - The deponent saith, that in the month of December 1776, the particular day of the month, not recollected, he then living in Stratford, in that part of it, which is now incorporated into the town of Huntington, was drafted from the Militia, for a term of two months, under Captain John Yates of said Stratford, and served

said two months, under the said Captain John Gates, at Housenack - I recollect of no one, who belonged to said company, now living, except, Asa Tom- linson, of said Huntington, whose position is as refer to my original declaration - Although I cannot state the precise day of the month, that I entered this service, yet I am positive, and so state the fact to be, that upon this town, I served, two months -
In the month of March 1777, the particular day of the month, not recollected, then also residing in the town of Stratford in said Fairfield county, I was again drafted for a term of duty, for three months, which I performed at Fairfield in said county under Captain Edmund Leaven- worth, and Lieutenant Patterson - My impression is, that the company, to which I belonged, was the only company then stationed at said Fairfield - Although I cannot state the precise day of the month, that I entered this service, yet I am certain, and state the fact positively, that at this time, I served as a drafted militia man, not up, then three months -
In the early part of September, in the year 1777, the particular day, not recollected, then living and residing in said Stratford, in that part of said town, which has since been incorporated

into the town of Huntington, I enlisted into a company of Mechanics, in the " Continental " service, under the command of Captain Daniel Pemberton, of Stratford, and served in the same for three months, as stated in my original declaration, and was dismissed at West Point. This company of Mechanics was not attached to any Regiment. I do not recollect of any one now living, who served with me in this company. Although I cannot now state, the the month  beginning day, when I entered this company, yet I am certain, that it was in the month of September 1777, and I am positive, and so state the fact to be, that in said company, I served not less, than three months.
Early in the month of June 1780, the beginning day, not recollected, I was again drafted, (then residing at the same place, as when first drafted) in a company, commanded by Captain Daniel Bratford, of Newton, and served for said term of two months, at Brunswick. I recollect of no one living who served with me in said company, except Joseph Beland, whose deposition is annexed to my original declaration. I know, that at this time I served for not less than two months.
In the month of July 1779, I went to New

Hann, as a Militia man, when that town was invaded by the British, and was given the order. In all these several services, I acted as a private, and during the whole of the time, I was engaged in these several services, I was not employed in any civil pursuit. My services, in the Revolution may be, were  as as follows, to wit, I served for two months, commencing in December 1776, under Capt. John Yates; three months, commencing in March 1777, under Capt. Edmund Levenworth; three months as a continental Mechanic, commencing in September 1777 under Capt. Daniel Pumbleton; two months, commencing in June 1780, under Capt. David Rootford, and three days, at New Haven, in the month of July 1779; - making in the whole ten months, and three days, for which I claim a pension. The reason why I make my application, before the court is, that I am old, and infirm, and it is difficult for me to travel. The town of Huntington is adjoining the New Haven Probate district. And it is much more convenient for me, to make my application before the New Haven Probate court, than it would be, before any court, sitting in Fairfield County. I am & so subscribed.
The above is true and correct. Mark Anthony Sparfoglio Clerk
Thomas Gilbert

And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that Joseph Beardslee and Agnes Tomlinson, the witnesses, whose depositions are annexed to the original declaration, and also Nathan Lewis, the witness, whose deposition is an- nexed to this supplemental declaration, are each credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Chas. A. Durnell
Chairman of the Court.
I Anthony P. Sanford Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the supplemental application of Thomas Gilbert for a pension - And I do further certify, that Samuel Beardslee, is a Justice of the Peace for the County of New Haven Fairfield, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the signature to the certificate at the bottom of the deposition of Nathan Levers which is attached to this supplemental decla- ration, is his own genuine hand writing. In testimony

Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and seal my office, this 4 th day of July A.D. 1833.
Anthony Sanford Clerk

I Nathan Lewis of the Town of Huntington in Fairfield County and State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say that on or about the twentyeth of March A 1777 I was drafted for three months under the command of Capt Leavitt in Col Whiting Reg t was Stationed in the Town of Fairfield in 3 d State at a place called Black Rock and served three months I well remember that Thomas Gilbert of 3 d York County 2 d State was drafted at the same time in the same Company and Reg t and served three months and further the deponent saith not
Nathan Lewis
Fairfield County ss Huntington July 1 st 1833 personally appeared Nathan Lewis and made oath to the truth of the above by him Subscribed before me
Samuel Beardslee Justice of Peace

POSTAL CARD - ONE CENT.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
THIS SIDE IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
To Pension Bureau Washington
Yes

Pension Copy of Wilson Hurd b Feb 8 1763 in Monroe - died in Derby March 2 nd 1863 - (Conn)
Pension Copy of 34689 Thomas Gilbert b Dec 10 1755 22511-32 in Huntington (Stratford) died in Huntington Jan 26 1847
John Holbrook of Derby b Aug 12 1726 Served in 2 d Jan 28 1801 Rev War
Address Charles B Gilbert Stoddard, Gilbert & Co New Haven Conn

31.689 Thos. Gilbert
Apr. 10-1832-76 Huntington Conn. -
Dec. 76- Stratford Conn
Capt. Jos. Yates Cal - Put - 2 m
md. 77. Capt. Edmund Seamenworth Cal - Put 3 m
Sept. 77 Pendleton Capt. Daniel Pemberton Cal - Put. 3 m
June 80 Jabez Bousfield Cal - Put - 2 m
No. 1 Bat Born Dec - 10. 1756

G. W.
New Haven Conn Jan'y 7 th 94 To the Hon Commissioner of Pensions Sir
Will you kindly give me the history and record of Ephraim Wooster and sent Jan 22 Thomas Gilbert 31689 etc who were pensioners in New Haven County in 1832
And Oblige
Your Ob t Servant
Edward G Wooster 309 Norton St New Haven Conn

J. HOWARD HAYES 27 ASHLAND STREET ARLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Nov. 20, 1933.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
✓ 3 Will you kindly advise me your records of the Revolutionary service of Thomas Gilbert of Derby , Conn. I believe he was born in Stratford, Conn. Dec. 10, 1755, and died in Derby, Conn. Jan. 28, 1847: I also believe his wife was Mary Loring, although I have no data in regard to her.
This man was my great-great Grandfather, and I will appreciate any information you may have available in regard to his service, his parents: his wife and her parents if this is known. Also the dates of her birth and death, and the places where these occurred.
I have been told this man lost his sight in the Revolution and that both he and his wife drew pensions.
If I have not addressed this to the proper department, will you kindly forward it to its proper destination.
Yours truly,
J. Howard Hayes

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Gilbert a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 31,689.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Dec. 1776 2 mos. Priv. John Yeats ✓ Conn.   March 1777 3 " Edward Leavensworth Whiting   Sept. 1777 3 " Danl. Pumbleton ✓   July 1779 3 days Names of officers not stated   June 1780 2 mos. Jabez Botsford ✓  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stratford, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 10, 1832. His ch. was al.
Residence at date of application, Huntington Fairfield Co. Conn.  In that part of Stratford which was afterwards Huntington, Conn.
Age at date of application, { B. Dec. 10, 1756 }
Remarks: _____
(names of his parents not stated.)
The date and place of soldier's marriage and name of his wife are not stated. Soldier died Jan. 26, 1847 at Derby, Conn., leaving no widow. Children alive in 1851: Phebe Olmstead, Amorillis Gilbert, aged 64 yrs., Lucius, aged 60 yrs., Truman, Hepsibah Hosford. Respectfully,
Commissioner.